Imam Hassan al-Askari (AS) has said: "There are two characteristics, which
surpass all others: having faith in Allah, and benefiting one's brothers (in
faith)."1

One of the major responsibilities of Imam Hassan al-Askari (AS), for which he
endeavored earnestly, was to introduce the Imam after him to the Shiites and to
inform them of the next Imam's occultation.

At the time, the Abbasid dynasty, having had heard the words of the previous
Imams (AS) and those of Prophets' (AS) about the savior that would be born to
Imam Hassan al-Askari (AS), were in close watch of Imam Hassan's (AS) residency
to make sure he would not have a son.

Thereupon, Imam Hassan al-Askari (AS) had to hide his son from the guards sent
by the government and in that manner save his son's life. After the martyrdom of
Imam Hassan al-Askari (AS), Imam Mahdi (AS) went into the periods of his short
and long occultation, whereupon most Shiites were deprived from seeing their
Imam. Upon this matter, at the time of Imam al-Askari (AS) it was necessary to
introduce Imam Mahdi (AS) to certain Shiites, and clarify his processes of
occultation. Many narrations have been recorded on this matter, but in this
excerpt we will refer to only one.

Ahmad ibn Is'haq, one of the reliable companions of Imam Hassan al-Askari (AS),
has narrated: "In one of my visits to the Imam, I had intended to ask about his
successor. Yet before I had spoken, the Imam (AS) said: 'O Ahmad ibn Is'haq!
From the creation of Adam, Allah (SWT) has never left the earth without His
successor on people, and will never do so until the Day of Judgment…'

I asked: 'O son of the messenger of Allah! So who is the successor and Imam
after you?'
Imam Askari (AS) stood up immediately, and entered the house. He then returned
carrying a three year old boy, whose face was filled with a halo of light. He
said:

'O Ahmad! If it were not for your eminence in the eyes of Almighty Allah and
His chosen people, I would not have shown you my child. His name and nickname
are the same as that of Prophet Mohammad's (peace be upon him and his
household); and it is he who will fill the earth with justice after it has been
corrupted with oppression…

By Allah! He will live through a long occultation from which people will not
survive perdition and deviation, except for those who stand firm on believing in
his Imamate, and those who are honored with the opportunity to pray for haste in
his reappearance."

Ahmad ibn Ishaq narrates: "the minute I asked Imam Askari (AS): 'Will any sign
or miracle appear to make me confident?' the child began speaking:

'I am the remainder of Allah (Baqiatullah) on earth; the one who will take
revenge on the enemies of Allah; and after seeing me, do not search for any
other signs!"…

* (Selection taken from," An Analysis of the Life of Imam Hassan
Askari (AS)", by Muhammad Baqir Qurashi)

1- Tuhaf al-Uqul,
p. 489

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07-01-2014 | 14:47

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The Tawabin Revolution Against the Umayyads (65 A.H.)

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The Birth Anniversary of Imam Hasan Al-Askari (a.s.) (232 A.H.)

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The Death of the Infallible Lady, daughter of Imam Al-Kazem (a.s.), Fatima Al-Masoumah (201 A.H.)